Calne’s Christmas Festival will have an extra touch of star power this year, with former Southampton and England midfielder Matt Le Tissier joining the town for the annual lights switch-on.
The event on Saturday 29th November is the centrepiece of Calne’s Festival of Lights - an afternoon of festive stalls, entertainment and the much-loved lantern parade.
This year, the honour of turning on the Christmas lights will be shared between Matt and the winners of Calne Town Council’s Christmas art competition, Cecelia and Talilah.
Before heading to the main stage, Matt will be at Costa Coffee in Calne, signing promotional items from around 1.30pm / 2pm until he leaves for the switch-on at 4.45pm.
Any donations made during the signing session will go to the Costa Foundation, the charity committed to improving access to education and community support in coffee-growing regions around the world.
The appearance has been arranged by Adam, the new manager at Costa in Calne. Adam has known Matt for many years through previous charity events and signing evenings he has helped organise elsewhere, and asked whether he would support this year’s Calne Christmas Festival - an invitation Matt was “more than happy” to accept.
Matt will also be helping Calne business owner Odette, acting as a collection point for toys being gathered for local children this Christmas.
The Christmas lights are expected to be switched on at around 5.20pm, once the lantern parade filters back down into the town centre from its end point at Marden House.
The parade is open to local groups wishing to take part, and applications are still available through Calne Town Council.
Running from 1pm to 6pm, the Festival of Lights promises a packed afternoon of Christmas cheer, with stalls, performances, children’s activities and the traditional fireworks to close the event.
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